The Visual Impact Expo and Connect Conference 2026 are set to inform and inspire, showing senior business leaders, marketers and creatives what’s possible with print.
The events will co-locate at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park from 2-4 September. The conference will focus on strategy, the economy, business and innovation and a show which will demonstrate the power of print, signage and visual communications.
“This is an event for business owners, executives, operational leads, marketers and specifiers – the people who influence strategy, determine business direction and lead the financial investment and purchasing decisions that support success,” said Visual Connections chief executive Karren Challoner-Miles.
“The Conference will bring together experts and thought leaders to tackle topics from leadership and business ethics to the economy, emerging technologies, innovation and sustainability. Delegates will also hear case-studies from end-users of our industry’s products and services, and reflections on trends and directions from both local and international industry leaders.”
The program includes conversations from Tabcorp CEO Gillon McLachlan alongside UVE Group MD Matt Aitkin, ex-XERO CEO Steve Vamos, Australian Minister for Trade and Competitiveness Dr Craig Emerson, author Dr David Cooke, cyber-awareness expert Richard Williams and CSIRO AI expert Dr Xun Li.
There will also be panel sessions exploring global and local outdoor signage trends, the future of signage and graphics, and international industry insights from the world’s leading visual communications associations, including:
International Industry Insights led by Visual Connections CEO Karren Challoner-Miles, featuring leadership from the International Sign Association and Printing United Alliance (USA), British Sign & Graphics Association, and FESPA
Education & Careers led by Visual Impact editor Rob Griffith and featuring Megan Lilly Deputy Commissioner Jobs & Skills Australia, Paul Richards head teacher sign and graphics at Sydney TAFE and apprentice signwriter Charbella Ayoub from Cunneen Signs.
Digital & Print – global and local outdoor signage trends featuring leaders from Signarama and JC Decaux.
Future of Signage led by ASGA president Mick Harrold, featuring Steen Zimmerman from Zimmerman Industries, Steve Lambourne from SS Signs and Callan Laughton from Insigns.
The conference complements Visual Impact Expo, which will be held under the Showgrounds Dome. It will include showcase from more than 50 exhibitors including Roland DG, Epson, Graphic Art Mart, HP and Mimaki.
Early Bird tickets for the Conference are available until 31 July, with prices starting from $199 a day.
